The Bell X-2, known as the 'Starbuster,' was a rocket-powered, high-altitude research aircraft that pushed the boundaries of flight in the 1950s. Designed to explore flight characteristics in the Mach 2-3 range, it played a crucial role in advancing our understanding of aerodynamics at speeds more than twice the speed of sound. The X-2 was a marvel of engineering, featuring a stainless steel fuselage to withstand the extreme heat generated at high speeds and a pioneering use of throttleable rocket engines for precise control. Its contributions were monumental, setting world records for speed and altitude that stood for years. The program's daring test pilots, including the legendary Captain Milburn G. Apt, who tragically lost his life pushing the frontiers of speed, were celebrated heroes of their time. The X-2's legacy lives on, influencing the design of future supersonic and hypersonic aircraft and contributing to the space race.
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